Companion Planting

Written by: Dottie Baltz

Many plants can benefit from being planted together. This practice is called Companion Planting and has probably been around for hundreds if not thousands of years. This practice is probably most evident in Cottage Gardens where many different types of perennials, herbs and vegetables are planted in close proximity to one another in the hopes that the plant combinations might ward off pests and disease problems as well as improve vigor in the growth of some plants.

Just as some plants may benefit one another when planted together, some plants should not be planted together as they may inhibit their growth or flavor as in the case of herbs, vegetables or fruits. One common example of this is that many plants do not grow well near black walnut trees as the roots of this tree release a substance called juglone that is toxic to many plants.

Following is a list of plants that may benefit being planted together as well as a few plants that should be avoided. This is by no means a complete list, but certainly will provide you with a good start.

Amaranth - Companion to sweet corn as it's leaves shade the corm. It's also a host to predatory ground beetles.

Anise - Good host for predatory wasps which prey on aphids. Anise may also repel aphids. Improves the vigor of plants growing near
it. Good to plant with coriander.

Basil - Companion to tomatoes; dislikes sage and rue intensely. Improves growth and flavor of tomatoes. Repels flies, thripes and
mosquitoes. Also does well with peppers, oregano, asparagus and petunias.

Beans - All beans enrich the soil with nitrogen so they make good companions for carrots, celery, chards, corn, eggplant, peas,
potatoes, beets, radish, strawberries and cucumbers. Keep beans away from alliums as they will alter the taste of the beans.

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